Come along to our open day!

Saturday 24th February, 11am to 3pm – Ardrossan Civic Centre

We are holding an open day so that local people can come along and find out more about any aspect of advanced driving. Our group members will be in the Cumbrae Room of the Civic Centre to answer questions, provide free introductory drives, or just to have an informal chat about the range of advanced driving courses we provide.

+ Meet group members and find out more about advanced driving.

+ Re-connect with the group if you are an existing or previous member.

+ Take advantage of a free ‘taster session’ with one of our experienced observers. Go for a drive in your car and get some feedback about how the group might be able to enhance your skills.

+ Or go for a ‘demo drive’, where one of our observers will take you for a short drive in their car and demonstrate the attributes and knowledge that make an advanced driver.

+ SPECIAL OFFER: We are offering a £50 discount on the price of the full advanced driving course (normally £149, now £99). There are a limited number of discounted places available exclusively to people who come along to our open day.

Almost anyone can benefit from better driving. Younger drivers can gain vital knowledge, skills and experience, whilst experienced drivers can gain an objective assessment of driving ability, enhance current skills and address any bad habits that might have crept in over the years.

If you have any questions before the open day, feel free to get in touch via the ‘contact us’ page of this site, or search for the “North Ayrshire Group of Advanced Motorists” page on Facebook and send us a message.

A new look for our website

Take a look around our updated website!

In conjunction with the launch of the updated IAM RoadSmart course, the North Ayrshire Advanced Motorists committee decided it would be a good idea to update our image also. With that in mind, we have developed a fresh new website and revised online presence. We aim to expand the website over the coming months, filling it with useful driving-related resources and the latest group information.

Please be sure to check out our Facebook page also.

Contact Us

Group Meetings

The group meets each Thursday at 7.30pm, at Ardrossan Civic Centre, 150 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, KA22 8EU. New members are always welcome.

Get in touch with us:

Contact: Arthur MacDonald

Phone: 07768 694 001

Email: arthur.macdonald@advanceddrivers.org

Facebook: North Ayrshire Advanced Motorists

Some Advanced Driving Basics

Here are a few advanced driving tips that will instantly improve your driving:

Concentration and Observation.

The best way to keep yourself safe is to spot potential hazards well before they become a problem. Observation is how you spot hazards – and concentrating maximises your observational skills.

Reaction times are significantly reduced if a driver anticipates a hazard. Take heed of signs and road markings, they warn you of what may be ahead for good reason.

Minimise distractions such as phones or loud music, and tell distracting passengers that you need to focus.

Think about human factors

Getting angry whilst driving can lead to bad judgements, and ‘red mist’ can cause normally-calm people to act out of character. Stay calm, stay focused, stay safe.

Sleep depravation can produce effects similar to that of alcohol intoxication; impairing reaction time and decision-making ability. If you’re feeling tired, consider stopping for a rest.

Look after your vehicle

Tyres are your only points of contact with the road. Badly worn, poorly inflated or damaged tyres are all potentially dangerous. Check them regularly and buy the best quality you can afford.

Inspect fluids regularly – Oil, coolant, windscreen washer, power steering and brake fluids are all essential to the safe running of your vehicle.

Prepare for potential problems – keep a hi-viz vest in the car, so you can be seen in the event of a breakdown or emergency. Make sure your spare tyre is in good condition…before you actually need it!

For more driving-based knowledge and useful tips, why not consider joining North Ayrshire Advanced Motorists?